Investigation underway after fire and explosion breakout at a cannabis business in Palm Desert
Update 11/29/23 1:45 p.m.
CAL Fire Riverside County officials have been battling several hot spots throughout the morning hours. Since 4 a.m. two smoking hot spots have broken out leading to a quick response from fire crews.
Battalion Chief, Pete Tierney confirmed the tanks outside of the business store butane, and that the residue of a green leafy material was, "a product that they use for extraction."
Fire crews on scene confirmed that residue was marijuana.
Update 11/29/23 8:33 a.m.
CAL Fire Riverside County Fire Department officials confirm no threat has been identified in regard to the public's safety or health.
The roof collapsed overnight, preventing fire crews from entering the building. Some hot spots and smoke were identified around 6:40 a.m. Wednesday morning, prompting fire crews to use a water hose to put out the smoke.
Engines remain on scene patrolling for hot spots within the building.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, and an investigation is ongoing.
Update 11/28/23 11:42 p.m.: Fire officials said the building was a Cannabis Business, and one employee was hospitalized after suffering minor injuries to their arms and hands.
The fire was reported at 8:18 p.m. Viewers told News Channel 3 they were seeing major flames in the area of Dinah Shore Drive and Dick Kelly.
Officials said the business contained chemicals inside that made it difficult to control the blaze, but they gained the upper hand on the exterior of the building.
Cal-Fire officials were not sure what caused the fire and the source was under investigation.
Firefighters were planning to remain at the fire scene overnight.
A CAL FIRE spokesperson said the fire was reported at a single-story commercial strip mall.
Commercial Structure Fire:rpt@8:18 p.m. 73800 Block of Dinah Shore Drive in Palm Desert. Heavy smoke and fire from a single story commercial strip mall. Multiple units on scene and additional units are enroute. #MountainIC pic.twitter.com/TRw5KZkvI6
— CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department (@CALFIRERRU) November 29, 2023
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